Hawai'i Pacific University next month will start offering a new master of science degree in marine sciences through its affiliation with Oceanic Institute in Waimanalo.

The two-year program will emphasize laboratory research and fieldwork to prepare students for careers in teaching, oceanography and marine research, said Alissa Arp, dean of HPU's College of Natural Sciences.

Each graduate student will work on a research project of his or her own design with a mentor professor responsible for guiding the student, she said.

Students will be based at the university's 56-acre Oceanic Institute.